Marcos: Diplomacy 'cornerstone' of achieving peace in Middle East

President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos on Wednesday emphasized that diplomacy is still the key to achieve long-lasting peace in the Middle East.

In a statement, Marcos joined the international community in commemorating the International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People.

“We stand united with the Palestinian people - men, women, and children - in their collective aspiration for an enduring peace and prosperity,” Marcos said.

“We are gravely concerned over the catastrophic humanitarian situation in Gaza and the increasing tensions in the Middle East,” he added.

The Philippine President urged all parties to refrain from escalating the violence and to work towards having a peaceful resolution on the ongoing conflict in the region.

“We condemn all attacks against civilians and civilian structures which have resulted in an alarming number of casualties, particularly women and children, and restricted access to food, water, medicine, and other basic needs,” Marcos said.

He also called for the rapid, safe, unimpeded, and sustained humanitarian access to all those in need and affected by the conflict.

“Diplomacy remains the cornerstone of achieving lasting peace in the Middle East,” Marcos said.

“We recognize that the conflict can only be resolved through diplomatic engagement, dialogue, and comprehensive negotiations rooted in international law,” he added.

According to Marcos, Manila fully supports all initiatives that are geared towards the revival of the peace process and the achievement of lasting peace amid the Middle East conflict.

“We urge all parties to work towards a peaceful resolution to the conflict, with a view to realizing the two-state solution,” Marcos said.

To recall, nearly 40,000 Palestinians have since been killed in an Israeli assault on Gaza that has caused a deadly and widespread humanitarian crisis. — RSJ, GMA Integrated News